The influence of culture and ethnic background on women's experience of domestic violence has been explored in research only recently. Here the authors review research about the impact of culture and minority status in the United States on women's experience of domestic violence, considering family structure,immigration, acculturation, oppression, and community response. The authors encourage researchers and service providers to acknowledge the effects on women of sociopolitical dynamics, including racism, and to identify specific aspects of culture that are relevant to intimate partner abuse.

Programs designed to address domestic violence often name empowerment of women as a major program goal. However, programs do not necessarily define what empowerment for survivors of domestic violence entails. This review examines the literature on empowerment, including characteristics of an empowerment process and critiques of empowerment. Diversity of goals for empowerment and differences in access to resources for women experiencing domestic violence are explored as two major factors that should inform program development. Recommendations are offered for developing programs to address domestic violence that support women engaged in an empowerment process.

This qualitative study examined the experience of Latina survivors of domestic violence for information that might help counselors become more attuned to the needs of Latina women. The results highlight the importance of particular cultural variables, including gender socialization and familism. Implications and recommendations for counselors are also discussed.Esta investigacidn cualitativa estudio las experiencias de Latinas sobrevivientes del maltrato domestico, buscando inforrnacion que pudiera ayudar a 10s consejeros a concientizarse mas a las necesidades de las mujeres latinas. En 10s resultados resalta la importancia de 10s variables culturales particulares, que incluyen la socializacion de genero y el familisrno. Tambien se subrayan recomendaciones para consejeros/as. n the United States today, domestic violence is an issue that touches women of all ages, races, ethnicities, and classes

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